Irish whiskey has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Irish whiskey is now one of the most popular types of whisky in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Ireland produces many different types of whiskey, including single malts and blends. No matter what you’re looking for—peaty, spicy or sweet—there’s an Irish whiskey out there for you! Here are my picks for the best Irish whiskeys on the market:
Bushmills Black Bush
Bushmills Black Bush is a blend of malt and grain whiskeys. It’s aged in ex-Bourbon barrels for at least 6 years, mixing the smoothness of a whiskey with the flavors of a malt whiskey. The result is a sweet, malty flavor that’s perfect for sipping on its own or mixing into one of our favorite cocktails (like an Irish Car Bomb).
Bunratty Potcheen
Bunratty Potcheen is an Irish whiskey made in the west of Ireland. It’s a pot still whiskey, meaning that it’s distilled twice and aged in bourbon barrels. The result? A smooth, easy-to-drink spirit with plenty of flavor and character.
Potcheen has a high alcohol content (42%) but it doesn’t taste like it–it has a smooth finish that makes it easy to drink neat or on the rocks. You can also use it in cocktails; try adding some to your next Manhattan for a unique twist! The folks at Bunratty offer several different ages: 10 year old ($50), 16 year old ($80), 21 year old ($120). All are made from malted barley as well as unmalted barley–a combination which gives them their signature flavor profile
Connemara Peated Single Malt Whisky
The Connemara Peated Single Malt Whisky is made in Ireland by Cooley Distillery, which has been around since 1987. This whiskey has a light, sweet taste with a hint of peat. It’s made from malted barley and water that’s been distilled through copper pot stills before being aged in ex-bourbon casks for at least 3 years. The result? A smooth spirit that doesn’t overpower you with its flavor but instead leaves you wanting more! This is definitely one of our favorites on this list–if you’re looking for something new or different than what you’re used to drinking then this would be an excellent choice!
Cooley Distillery Single Grain Irish Malt Whiskey
Single Grain: A Single Grain whiskey is made from a mash of barley and other grains such as wheat, oats or rye. It’s distilled in the same way as single malt but without any peat smoke added during fermentation.
Single Malt: A Single Malt whiskey is made using malted barley that’s been dried over a peat fire at some point in its production process (this gives it its distinctive smoky flavour). The resulting liquid is then aged in oak casks for at least three years before being bottled.
Pot Still Whiskey: Pot Still Whiskeys are produced by distilling fermented grain mash twice through copper stills called ‘pot stills’. They’re usually aged for between 5 and 10 years before bottling so they have more depth than blended whiskeys which are often drunk young due to their lighter flavour profile
Green Spot Irish Whiskey
Green Spot is a blend of pot still whiskeys from Midleton, Cooley and Bushmills. It’s aged for at least 7 years in bourbon casks before being bottled at 40% alcohol by volume.
Green Spot is one of the most affordable single pot still whiskeys on the market today and it has won many awards including Best Irish Whiskey at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2018 and Gold Medal in 2016.
Teelings Reserve Blended Irish Whiskey
Teelings Whiskey Reserve Blended Irish Whiskey
Teelings is one of the most popular brands of Irish whiskey, and this blend is a great way to get your feet wet with the spirit. It’s made from both malt and grain whiskeys aged in bourbon casks before being bottled at 40% alcohol by volume. The result is a smooth, sweet sip that has notes of vanilla, honey, and fruit.
With these whiskeys, you’ll be able to impress your friends at the next St. Paddy’s Day party.
If you’re looking to expand your whiskey collection, these five bottles are a great place to start. You can drink them any time of year and use them in mixed drinks as well as sipping alone. They’re also perfect for beginners and experts alike.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an Irish whiskey to add to your collection, these are some great options. Whether you want something smooth and creamy or smoky with a bite, there’s something here for everyone.